Anthony Wanjiku: HIV warrior completes elusive 3-day Nairobi to Nakuru walking challenge
By Steve Ireri, January 14, 2026Anthony Wanjiku, a committed HIV and mental health advocate, has successfully completed a gruelling 157.7-kilometre walk from Nairobi to Nakuru, covering more than 202,000 steps over three intense days.
The challenge, which began on Monday, January 12, 2026, was undertaken to raise awareness on HIV, mental health, and the need for accessible services for those struggling in silence.
In a post shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Wanjiku expressed excitement at completing the challenge and confirmed that he had arrived at his designated endpoint, the Nakuru level 5 hospital.
“Am done. 157.7km with 202,158 steps …At Nakuru General Hospital,” Wanjiku wrote.
Seven hours before completing the challenge, Anthony took to Facebook to update his followers on his progress, revealing that his legs were giving him serious pain and that he had paused briefly to regain energy before continuing to Nakuru Level 5 Hospital.
He shared that despite the discomfort, he remained determined to complete the walk and deliver his message of hope to those suffering in silence.
“Here, my legs are almost giving up. I will rest here for 20 minutes for my legs to get more energy, then proceed to Nakuru pgh, where I will complete the challenge. I hope you guys have kaluma to cool my legs,” he wrote.
In a separate post, Anthony revealed that his body was hurting but emphasised that his spirit remained strong.
He noted that his journey was dedicated to anyone battling depression, anxiety, trauma, or hopelessness.
He shared that mental illness is a daily struggle fought quietly and that his challenge was meant to show people that they are not alone.
“My body hurts, but my Spirit remains strong. Every soul is fighting something in silence. This is for you. You may feel the pain, but suicide is never an option. I demand mental health services that reach the poor,” he wrote.
In another post, Anthony highlighted that each step he took was a promise to those suffering in silence, explaining that he walked to ensure that their pain could be seen, their voices heard, and their struggles acknowledged.
He revealed that the journey was not for fame but for raising awareness and supporting vulnerable populations, particularly those with limited access to mental health services.
“Mental illness is not weakness; it is a daily war fought in silence. From Nairobi, step by step, through pain, swollen legs, and endless miles, I am walking for every soul battling depression, anxiety, trauma, and hopelessness. This journey is not for fame; it is for the ones who cry at night, who take medication just to make it through the day, and who feel forgotten by a system that should protect them. Every kilometre I push through is my promise to you, Tony, that you are not alone. I walk so your pain can be seen, your voice can be heard, and so one day no one will have to suffer in the dark again. Am in a place called karura past Lake Elementaita. Acha nikunywe tembe safari iedeleeee,” he wrote in the post shared 12 hours before completing the challenge.
HIV journey
While embarking on his challenge on January 12, 2026, Anthony posted photos of himself taking his HIV medication and explained that he is open about his condition to encourage others living with the virus to stop suffering in silence.
He explained that he began each day by taking his ARVs before setting out on the walk, emphasising that he walks with both hope and purpose despite the pain.
“At 8:00 AM, I take my ARVs. Then I take my first step. I walk with HIV, but I walk with hope. I walk with pain, but I walk with purpose,” he wrote.
Anthony highlighted that his journey is dedicated to mental health, healing, and supporting those who fight quietly, stressing that being alive is a sign of courage, not weakness.
“This journey is for mental health, for healing, and for every person fighting silently. Being alive is not weakness; it is courage,” he added.
